Pemberton Briefs

Pemberton has dissolved its sister-city relationship with Japans Miya Village. The change is not a result of a sibling squabble, but rather a matter of housekeeping.

Miya Village, a Japanese community that shared many socio-economic similarities with Pemberton, ceased to exist earlier this year. The small community has amalgamated with Takayama, a mountain city of 60,000 situated in northern Gifu in the "The Japanese Alps."

Miya Village and Pemberton received sister-city status in 1998. One of the benefits of the relationship was a successful student exchange programs. Dozens of students from each city participated in the exchanges over the seven years the program was in existence.

Report nominated for SG award

The Village of Pemberton has submitted "Winds of Change: A Healing Vision" for a Solicitor Generals Community Safety and Crime Prevention Award. The 14-page report, the result of a year-and-a-half of research by, was made by Pemberton and Mt. Currie to address their substance abuse issues.

A product of the Pemberton/Mt. Currie Drug and Alcohol Task Force, the Winds of Change makes 13 recommendations to reduce the impact of addiction in the two communities. The report will be considered under the category of Local Government Award. Last year, Prince George won with its Partners for a Healthy Downtown initiative.

The awards are presented in September.

PSS recognizes best

More than 120 of Pemberton Secondary Schools students were recognized for their achievements in academics, athletics and citizenship on June 6. Some students saw it as an opportunity to show appreciation for staff.

"Shes the kind of teacher who will stay with you after school and then drive you home," said Karl McEwan of senior science and math teacher Karen Tomlinson.

McEwan, a Grade 12 student who took top science honours by achieving a 92 per cent average, went on to say that he doubted his marks would have been as high without her guidance. For his efforts, he received a medal and an entrance scholarship to study environmental science at the University of Victoria.

The evenings top awards recognized members of this years graduating class. Valedictorian Julie Strobl took the Margaret Marchant Award acknowledging a student who has made a significant difference to the academic environment.

"She values her family, her community and her school and she was chosen for her competent, calm and confident work behind the scenes to make this school a better place for staff and students," said teacher Connie Sobchak in presenting Strobl the award.

PTA awards recognizing excellence in academic, athletic and social arenas went to Julia Shelrud. And Cody Robbins received the Outstanding Citizen award.

Cory Antonellis athletic abilities were celebrated with the provincially ranked snowboarder receiving MVP distinction in both snowboarding and basketball.

Twenty-five students received plaques for academic excellence, an award that requires students maintain an overall course average greater that 90 per cent.